The Community Foundation of North Central Washington is a publicly supported, 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, philanthropic institution governed by a volunteer board of private citizens chosen as representatives of the public interest. It administers individual funds contributed or bequeathed by persons, corporations, agencies and private foundations, and makes grants to North central Washington nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations.

Funding for the Community Grants Program come from the Community Foundation’s unrestricted endowment, donations, and gifts from designated and donor advised funds.

Guiding Principles

The Community Foundation of NCW respects and celebrates diversity that contributes to healthy, caring communities. CFNCW wishes to signal to groups with diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences that they are welcome partners in its efforts. With all of CFNCW’s endeavors, it strives to encompass people of all ages, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, religion and disability. CFNCW is committed to fostering an organization that respects and appreciates diversity in its many forms as defined above. To that end, CFNCW will seek grantees and partners that incorporate diversity into their missions and strive to encourage diverse governance boards, partner organizations and served constituencies wherever practicable. It will seek to assure that its grantmaking activities reflect and promote the diversity of the communities we serve.

Results Based Funding

All applicants should be able to show how their program improves the lives of those living in North Central Washington. Qualified applicants could also include:

• Programs and projects in arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services that serve a broad sector of the community, are innovative, and are responsive to changing community needs
• Programs and projects that will enable nonprofit and charitable agencies to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and move toward self-sufficiency
• “Seed Grants” to initiate promising new projects and programs so that such projects and programs are able to demonstrate their usefulness to the community
• Programs and projects that address and help resolve important existing or emerging community issues
• Programs and projects that support new and creative projects and people offering the greatest opportunity for positive and significant change
• Programs and projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations
• Programs and projects that identify, enhance, and expand leadership in the community through the support of charitable activities that empower individuals
• Programs and projects that improve the quality or scope of charitable works in the community
• Operating support for organizations that promote the programs and projects listed above.

Limitations & Restrictions

Geographic Area

CFNCW considers grant applications only from nonprofit organizations in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. Proposals from nonprofit organizations outside of the three county area may apply ONLY if the proposed project benefits Chelan, Douglas or Okanogan counties exclusively. Projects that have already identified key partners, venues or other means to deliver services in NCW before applying for the grant are preferable.

IRS Charitable Status

A nonprofit organization must have a current tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Community projects that do not have tax exempt status may apply with a qualified Fiscal Sponsor.

Fiscal Sponsorship

Any Fiscal Sponsor for a project or program must meet the eligibility requirements established by the IRS. Contact the Foundation for more information before proceeding with an application. Organizations who act as a fiscal sponsor for other projects not directly associated with the organizations programs may submit multiple proposals per cycle one for their sponsored program and one for their internal programs.

Public Schools

Individual public schools may apply for support of programs that enhance learning. Public schools with more than 50% Free and reduced lunch students will be given priority. Funding cannot be used to subsidize shortfalls from tax supported levies or core operational funding.  Applications are restricted to 1 per school per grant cycle.  The principal’s signature is required on all applications.

Private Schools

K-12 Private schools, defined as tuition based educational institutions, may apply for funding if more than 50% of student body is low income or receives tuition assistance. Tuition assistance is not eligible.

Colleges and Universities

Large organizations with many branches or departments must submit requests from the president’s office.  Tuition assistance is not eligible.

City or County Governments

Projects that are essential services provided by government such as infrastructure, administration, or services such as fire & police, are not eligible for funding.  However, non-essential, quality of life, community enhancement projects not typically funded through tax dollars may be eligible. Please contact the Foundation before proceeding with an application.

Faith-Based Organizations

Grants will not be made for religious purposes but may be made to faith-based organizations for the non-religious programs offered to the broader community. Characteristics of eligible programs include: a program that is located in a house of worship but not associated with the house of worship; program is available to people of all faiths and/or non-believers; program abstains from religious worship, instruction or recruitment as part of the grant funded program.  Please contact the Foundation staff if you have questions, clarifications or would like to have examples.

Multi-Year Requests

In order to provide the greatest immediate impact and to respond to current needs, multi-year requests are not accepted.

Multiple Submissions

Organizations are limited to one grant proposal for consideration during a single grant cycle. Proposals for a single project may not be submitted to multiple CFNCW grant programs.  City or county governments can submit multiple applications as long as they are from different departments. Wait periods for such grants will apply to the particular department rather than the whole of the city or county government.

Ineligible for Grants

• Individuals
• Lobbying activities
• Debt retirement or budget deficits
• Tuition, scholarships, or core operating expenses for public schools, charter schools, private schools, or universities and colleges
• Annual campaigns, fundraising campaigns or events
• Capital campaigns
• Religious organizations for religious purposes (see Limitations & Restrictions Section above)
• Political activities
• Purchases or activities that occur prior to grant decisions

For questions, email jennifer.s@cfncw.org.